There’s something very personal about receiving a plant. And if you receive a plant in winter, when all outside is stagnant or frozen, it’s really special. I was browsing Uncommon Goods the other day and found a range of really creative indoor planting schemes for unique gifts. They have dozens, but here are five of my faves….
1. The Aquafarm
Anything with a beta fish gets my attention. With the Aquafarm
you get all you get a miniature ecosystem – a 3 gallon fish tank and
six small planters above, which, planted with your favorite spices,
receives the nutrient-rich water from their roots. The Aquafarm kit
includes some organic seeds, a chemical-free dechlorinator, and sample
fish food suitable for a goldfish or beta. Fish not included.
Aquafarm: image via uncommongoods.com
Aquafarm holds 6 mini-pots of your favorite plants and flavorings: image via uncommongoods.com
2. Succulent Wall Planter Kit
Handmade by artist Heather Auchter in San Diego, CA, this lovely cactus garden can grow indoors or out, vertically or horizontally. The kit comes with soil, a lightweight moss, mesh to hold down the soil, and succulent cuttings, so you can either arrange the planter yourself or allow your giftee to have all the fun. Don’t worry, instructions are included. The Wallflower, Succulent Wall Planter Kit is available here.
Wallflower Succulent Wall Planter Kit: image via uncommongoods.com
3. Grow Old With You Terrarium
What a lovely gift for your true love, a beautiful handmade terrarium filled with moss, rocks, and miniature old folks romantically snuggling on a park bench. Handmade by Michelle Inciarrano & Katy Maslow in Brooklyn, Grow Old With You is a terrarium that will always remind you of your love and commitment.
Grow Old With You Terrarium: image via uncommongoods.com
Grow Old With You Terrarium (detail): image via uncommongoods.com
4. Marimo Moss Ball Light Bulb Aquarium
A re-purposed light bulb becomes an aquarium for this Japanese-treasured moss ball. "Mari" means a "bouncy ball" and "mo" is a term for underwater plants. The marimo is said to be lucky, and is a cherished plant in Japan, Iceland, Scotland, and Estonia, where it grows in lakes. Sara Reynolds is the artist for the easy-to-care-for Marimo Moss Ball Light Bulb Aquarium – a lovely addition to any home landscape.
Marimo Moss Ball Light Bulb Aquarium: image via uncommongoods.com
5. Postcardens: A Garden In A Postcard
An architectural delight with magical gardens that pop up about three days after your recipient waters the card and sprinkles the magic Lepidium sativum (that’s Garden cress) seeds over the water. Then, in about two weeks, he can sprinkle the water cress over his dinner salad. Is that a Postcarden or what? Two designs available, "Greetings" and "Thinking of You," the clever Postcardens are made in Wales.
Postcardens, gardens in postcards: image via uncommongoods.com
Postcardens, gardens in postcards (cover): image via uncommongoods.com
You will find my faves and many more really unique and exclusive gift ideas that are anything but ‘garden variety’ at Uncommon Goods. Happy browsing.
